Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Hampton Roads Writers Conference. This was my first conference, and it was a great experience. The blue highlighted link takes you to the group’s website, where you will find some great resources and information about the group–including the Traveling Pen Workshops throughout the year.
Break-out sessions began Thursday evening with a choice of four 1.5-hour workshops from which to choose. I opted for “Creating the World in a Short Story” with Cliff Garstang.
Friday morning’s activities started at 8:00 a.m. with Check In/Coffee Time, followed by the keynote speaker, then, a First Ten Lines Critique Session with three agents and two keynoters. One-hour workshops began at 11:15 a.m. There were four sessions throughout the day, with a choice of four classes in each session. The day ended with a Mix and Mingle Social and Silent Auction.
Saturday’s activities followed the same schedule as Friday, but with only three workshop sessions that day.
The sessions I attended included dialogue, point of view, publishing short stories and essays, memoir writing, and interviewing for nonfiction. The packet we received at Check In contained a handout for each workshop, giving us access to the information in the sessions we were unable to attend. Kudos to Hampton Roads Writers for their efforts in providing those.
No conference is complete without food–a delightful, delicious buffet was served both days.
By 3:30 p.m. Saturday, with our brains packed to overflowing and a few new friends, we went our separate ways and returned to our former lives. The only downside is we have to wait another year to do it again!
Hi Seems you had a great time and learned a lot. I was wondering what a ‘Silent Austion’was?!!!
LikeLike
I sent you an email, Margaret. In case anyone else isn’t familiar with the term: Items for bidding are displayed, bidders write their bid down and seal it in an envelope. When the envelopes are opened, the highest bidder on each item wins. These are usually held at fund-raising events.
LikeLike
Glad you had a great time Patti and… got to fill your brain with lots of new knowledge.
blessings ~ maxi
LikeLike
It was nice to be immersed in writing-related activities with like-minded people, Maxi. Thanks, and blessings to you.
LikeLike
So glad you got to go Patti. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Elizabeth. 🙂
LikeLike
What inspiration!
LikeLike
It truly is, Georgette.
LikeLike
sounds like you soaked it in. 🙂
LikeLike
You could probably hear my spongy brain soaking it up, Theresa. 😉
LikeLike
Sounds like this was a terrific and helpful conference for you!! So glad you got to go, and that it was profitable!! YAY!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Trece. The conference was a good experience, a little out of my comfort zone, but that’s how we grow.
LikeLike
Way to branch out Patti. I didn’t attend a conference this year but definitely want to in the next.
LikeLike
Have you attended other conferences, Renee? Thanks for your support.
LikeLike
I am glad you got to go Patti! Sounds like it was right where you needed and wanted to be. That is a good thing.. 🙂
LikeLike
I really did enjoy the experience, Pix. 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds like it was a well-organized event. I hope you are able to go next year, too!
LikeLike
I was pleased with how it flowed, the length of breaks, comfortable seating–which is a big issue for me, Janna.
LikeLike